Tech Tools for Adults with Learning Disabilities

2003

Research shows that technology supports can be highly beneficial to individuals with learning disabilities, both to help remediate specific skill deficits and to give them tools to work around particular difficulties. Adults with learning disabilities who are not enrolled in a post-secondary educational program, but are attempting to work on literacy skills in community programs, rarely have access to such supports. These types of tools would allow them to experience more success and independence in daily literacy tasks, and provide them the opportunity to increase time spent practicing basic literacy skills outside the specific tutoring times. Tech Tools is a program conceived as a model for libraries and for agencies providing literacy instruction for adults who have low literacy because of learning disabilities. Literacy Volunteers tutors, librarians, and adult learners will be trained in the use of tool and educational software that will increase both basic reading skills and access to information in print. A lab will be created in an urban library in a low-income area where adult learners and tutors can use these programs in instructional sessions and for independent practice and research. Staff from other libraries will have the chance to observe the program, and assistance will be given to replicate it.

Assistive Technology; Adult Literacy; Learning Disabilities

Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups

Single-County

N/A